Project Manager Trainee at the Skills

The Skills & Human Factors Working Group at ECSO is opening a six-month full-time (paid) traineeship position focusing on cybersecurity skills, talent development, community engagement, and events. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to Europe's growing cybersecurity workforce by supporting initiatives that connect talent, employers, educators, policymakers, and cybersecurity communities across Europe. Details Traineeship
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Location:
Brussels, with 2 days of remote working per week
- Start date: As soon as possible, preferably in September-October
- Compensation: Paid traineeship
- Duration: Full time
- 6 months
- To apply send your CV + Cover Letter to skills\_team@ecs-org.eu
- Selection process: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Application deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis About the Skills & Human Factors Working Group ECSO's Skills & Human Factors Working Group aims to strengthen Europe's cybersecurity capabilities through education, strategic policy support, workforce development, awareness, and human-centric cybersecurity initiatives. The Working Group brings together industry, academia, public authorities, training providers, policymakers, HR professionals, and cybersecurity experts to address Europe's cyber skills gap and future workforce needs , including the impact of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) on jobs and skills. One of our flagship initiatives is Road2Cyber , a pan-European cybersecurity community co-created with the Women4Cyber Foundation. Through job fairs, training opportunities, CTF competitions, newsletters, and networking activities, R2C helps cybersecurity talent develop their careers. The Working Group also leads strategic initiatives such as the ECSO Skills Foresight Council , which explores future cybersecurity workforce needs, emerging technologies and trends (including AI and dual-use technologies), evolving skills requirements, and policy recommendations to strengthen Europe's cyber talent ecosystem. The annual ECSO Skills Summit brings together key stakeholders from across Europe to discuss cybersecurity skills, connect talent with employers, and organise hands-on activities such as challenges, CTFs etc.

Job Description
We are seeking a proactive, organised, and detail-oriented Skills & Human Factors Trainee to support ECSO's cybersecurity skills activities, including community engagement and outreach , communications activities , research on emerging policy, technology and workforce trends , strategic skills initiatives , and the organisation of cybersecurity skills events across Europe . Overall Responsibilities and Objectives As a Skills & Human Factors Trainee, you will engage in: 1. Road2Cyber Community Support & Outreach Activities
- Support the growth and engagement of the Road2Cyber community through stakeholder outreach and engagement activities involving companies, universities, training providers, and other cybersecurity ecosystem partners;
- Curate and promote cybersecurity career, events, training, and professional development opportunities through Road2Cyber newsletters and community communications;
- Assist in the planning, promotion, and delivery of Road2Cyber events, webinars, and community activities;
- Assist with the ongoing improvement and maintenance of the Road2Cyber website and its content. 2. Skills Policy, Foresight & Strategic Initiatives
- Support the monitoring of European policy, regulatory, and technology developments impacting cybersecurity skills and workforce development;
- Contribute to the activities and outputs of the ECSO Skills Foresight Council through research, meeting preparation, and the development of briefings, presentations, reports, and recommendations. 3. Promotion and events
- Support the organisation and promotion of ECSO's flagship skills initiatives, including the Skills Foresight Council, Road2Cyber Job Fair, challenges & competitions
- Support the organisation of the ECSO Skills Summit including, but not limited to, participant management, logistical coordination, and on-site delivery.
- Support outreach to employers, recruitment partners, sponsors, and ecosystem stakeholders;
- Assist with communication and promotional activities related to skills initiatives and events. Requirements
- Candidates must be eligible to work in Belgium;
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Communications, Cybersecurity, European Studies, Marketing, Political Science, Education, Psychology, Human Resources, or a related field is a plus;
- Experience in communications, community management, events, research, or stakeholder engagement is a plus;
- Experience with website management tools (e.g. Wix) is an advantage;
- Proficient verbal and written English skills;
- Strong organisational, analytical, and time-management skills, with excellent attention to detail;
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with a wide range of stakeholders;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel). Ideal Candidate
- Previous experience in communications, community management, event coordination, policy, research, stakeholder engagement, or project support is considered a strong asset;
- Strong interest in cybersecurity, skills and workforce development, emerging technologies, European policy, talent ecosystems, and community engagement.
- Experience working in an international environment (e.g. NGO, association, think tank, university, EU institution, consultancy) is a plus;
- Familiarity with LinkedIn, Canva, CRM systems, or website management tools is an asset; experience with Wix is a strong advantage;
- Curious and analytical, with an interest in understanding emerging workforce, skills, and technology trends;
- A confident and personable team player who enjoys engaging with diverse stakeholders and building professional relationships;
- Comfortable working in a dynamic international environment, balancing multiple priorities while remaining organised, proactive, and solution oriented. Application Details
- Please send your CV + Cover Letter to: skills\_team@ecs-org.eu
- Deadline for applications: applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so don't wait too long send us yours
- Starting Date: As soon as possible (preferably September) *About the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO)* *The European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO) – www.ecs-org.eu – is the
* *pan-European* *, private-public federation (
* *non-profit* *) focused on empowering European cybersecurity communities. Established in 2016 as the European Commission’s contractual partner for the
* *Public-Private Partnership in Cybersecurity* *(2016-2020), we have built on the successes of that partnership to strengthen European cybersecurity by providing a platform for cooperation, community advocacy, public-private collaboration, and more.
* *ECSO is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all backgrounds, including age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and disability.* *In accordance with the GDPR, ECSO ensures that your data will be processed exclusively for the purposes of completing this recruitment process. By applying, you consent to the processing and storage of your data. Your data will be made available to the Secretary-General as well as the administrative personnel responsible for the recruitment process. You can withdraw your application and the right to process the data that you have provided to us at any time by sending an e-mail to
* *secretariat@ecs-org.eu
* *.*